Are you a professional photographer looking to up your game and take breathtaking shots from unique angles with the help of drones? Have you ever thought of incorporating drones into your photography sessions or projects? With the advancements in technology and accessible cost, drones have become increasingly popular tools for capturing creative shots. Whether it’s landscape photography or aerial footage, drone-captured images can provide a unique aesthetic and perspective that standard cameras cannot reach. As such, finding the right drone with the right set of features is essential if you’re hoping to succeed as a competent photographer in today’s world. In this article, we will be examining some of the best drones for photography available on the market today!
What Is The Best Drone For Photography?
There is no definitive answer to this question, and everyone has their own opinions. However, the good thing is there are a lot of options. My favourite drone is the DJI Air 2S, its small elegant design and powerful features make it a fantastic drone for photography. The DJI Air 2S can capture images in 20MP and records HD videos in 5k, 4k and 2.7k. The drone has multiple photography modes, including panorama, HDR and AEB.
This is not an exhaustive list; there are so many good drones for professional aerial photography that it was hard for me to choose which ones to include and which ones to leave out.
If you dislike any of the drones on this list (unlikely!), check out my list of the best drones with a camera. I also update this list as often as possible because the drone industry moves fast, and there is always a new high-end drone release every few months. The list below reflects some of the best drones for photography on the market today.
A good camera’s key features are its sensor size, ISO range, aperture, shutter speed and dynamic range.
According to the popular photography website digital photography school, the size of a camera sensor is one of the most important attributes regarding photo quality.
Larger sensors produce better pictures with better overall resolution and greater dynamic range. They capture more light, especially if you want to take photos in a low-light environment.
For this reason, I have ordered the list based on the size of the image sensor. Of course, the image sensor size isn’t everything and the final quality of your images will depend upon your overall skill as a photographer.
Is Drone Photography Worth It?
I believe It is worth purchasing a drone for photography, especially if you are a professional photographer looking to expand your photography services. You must research and choose the drone that meets your requirements and budget. Most of the drones on this list range in price from $600- $3000. But with a wide range of available options, finding the best drones for photography can take time and effort. Many models these days come with advanced camera features such as large image sensors, HDR capability, 3-axis gimbal stabilisation, lossless zoom etc. In addition, these drones all come with advanced flight features such as autonomous flight modes, automatic return-to-home features, an obstacle avoidance system and long flight times. All of which makes it much easier to capture stunning drone photography.
If you want to fly drones for commercial reasons or make money through your drone, you will be required to obtain a Part 107 certificate from the FAA. This is a 2-hour exam that covers a wide range of topics related to aviation rules and will require students to achieve at least 70% from a total of 60 questions.
There are many Part 107 prep guides and courses that will give you a better chance at passing the first time.
Some popular courses include Pilot Institute, Dart Drones and Ground Pilot School. There are also well-received courses on the popular online education platform Udemy.
Best Drones For Photography
1. DJI Mavic 3
The DJI Mavic 3 is widely considered one of the best drones for photography. It has impressive features, including the Hasselblad-engineered camera that has a 4/3 CMOS sensor with 12.8 stops of dynamic range, adjustable aperture, and captures images in 20MP. The camera incorporates Hasselblads Natural Colour Solution technology that captures the most accurate colours at the push of a button. With its large sensor, higher dynamic range and adjustable aperture, the camera is excellent for capturing nighttime photography. The camera can record 5.1k videos at 50fps, DCI 4k at 120fps and 4k at 120fps. With the Cine drone version, you can encode videos with Apple ProRes 422 HQ,422 & 422 LT. The DJI Mavic 3 has a second zoom camera that can capture 12MP images and 4k videos. The drone has a flight time of 46 minutes, making it one of the best drones with the longest flight times, giving you more time to capture your perfect videos and photos.
Additionally, you have several advanced features that allow you to capture cinematic videos autonomously with its Quickshots and MasterShots feature. The drone also comes with an omnidirectional obstacle avoidance system and several intelligent flight modes and has a transmission range of 15km. With so many great benefits, it’s no wonder the DJI Mavic 3 is one of the best drones for photographers.
Key Features
- 4/3 sensor with adjustable aperture and 84º FOV
- 20MP images
- Hasselblad Natural Colour Technology
- 12.8 stops of dynamic range
- Records videos in 5.1k at 50fps, DCI 4k at 120fps & 4k at 120fps
- Omnidirectional Obstacle avoidance technology
- Intelligent flight modes
- 46 minutes of flight time
- 15km transmission range
2. DJI Air 2S
The DJI Air 2S is an especially attractive option for drone enthusiasts interested in aerial photography. This drone comes with many of DJI’s innovative features, such as a professional camera, OcuSync long-range transmission, and a 4-way obstacle detection system that takes the user experience to a new level. The camera is equipped with a 1-inch sensor that captures images in stunning 20MP and records 5.4k videos at 30fps. You can record videos in HDR with its 10-bit Dlog-M colour profile and capture HDR images with its SmartPhoto feature. The drone also has Quickshots and Mastershots, and these features make it easier than ever before to take breathtaking aerial videos at the push of a button. Finally, the Air 2S has a flight time of 31 minutes and a maximum transmission range of 12km. The drone is one of the cheapest for aerial photography and is worth its price.
Key Features
- 1-inch CMOS sensor with fixed aperture & 88° FOV
- 20MP images
- SmartPhoto & Panorama photography modes
- Records videos in 5.4k at 30fps, 4k ultra at 60fps
- 10 Bit Dlog-M colour profile for HDR videos
- 4-way Omnidirectional obstacle avoidance system
- 31 minutes of flight time
- 12km transmission range
3. DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2
The DJI Phantom 4 Pro V 2.0 is the perfect drone for professionals looking to capture unique aerial photography. This Phantom 4 was one of the first consumer drones equipped with a 1-inch image sensor camera. The drone has many advanced features, such as an omnidirectional obstacle avoidance system and automatic return-to-home technology that adds safety during any flight. The camera can record videos in 4k at 60fps and 20MP images, and a 3-axis mechanical gimbal stabilises it. The drone has several autonomous flight modes, such as Active Track, Point of Interest and TapFly. With incredible features, reliable components, and cutting-edge technology, the DJI Phantom 4 Pro V 2.0 is an excellent choice for photographers looking to take their shots to new heights.
Key Features
- 1-inch CMOS sensor with adjustable aperture & 84º FOV
- 20MP images
- Records video footage in C4k at 60fps, 4k at 60fps
- Dlog colour profile for HDR videos
- 30 minutes of flight time
- Intelligent flight modes
- 5-way Obstacle sensing technology
- 10km transmission range
4. Autel Evo 2 Pro
The Autel Evo 2 Pro is an excellent drone that offers photographers a range of features to help them capture beautiful aerial photos and videos. With its 6K camera, 3-axis gimbal stabilisation, foldable design, and 40 minutes of flight time, the Autel Evo 2 Pro provide users with impressive capabilities. The camera can record 6k videos at 30fps, 4k at 60fps and 2.7k at 120fps. It also has options for HDR videos and images and comes with Hyperlight technology for night time photography. Its advanced omnidirectional obstacle avoidance system keeps it from running into objects in its path, and its long-range transmission system allows for up to a 9km control distance. The Autel Evo 2 Pro has several intelligent flight modes, and its remote controller has an integrated 6.4-inch screen with an intuitive user interface for easy operation. The Autel Evo 2 Pro is an excellent choice for professional photographers.
Key Features
- 1-inch CMOS sensor with adjustable aperture & 82° FOV
- 20MP still images
- Records videos in 6k at 30fps, 4kat 60fps and 2.7k at 120fps camera
- 10-bit A-log colour profile
- Support for HDR images
- Intelligent flight modes
- 40 minutes of flight time
- 360° obstacle avoidance system
- 9km transmission range
5. Autel Evo Lite Plus
The Autel Evo Lite Plus is a compact, lightweight drone designed for recreational and professional use. It is equipped with a 1-inch image sensor that allows for high-quality video and photo capture. The camera also has a 3-axis gimbal for smooth and stable footage. The camera can record video footage in 6k, 4k and 2.7k and captures HD images in 20MP. With its large sensor, adjustable aperture, high ISO range and hyperlight technology, the Evo Lite Plus is an excellent choice for nighttime photography. The drone has a range of up to 12km and can fly for up to 40 minutes on a single charge. It also has several advanced features, including obstacle avoidance, return-to-home, and intelligent flight modes such as Active Track and Orbit mode.
Key Features
- 1-inch CMOS sensor with adjustable aperture & 82° FOV
- 20MP images
- Records videos in 6k at 30fps, 4k at 60fps, 1080p at 120fps
- 120Mbps
- Supports HDR images and videos
- 3-way obstacle avoidance technology
- Autonomous flight modes
- 40 minutes of flight time
- 12km transmission range
6. DJI Mavic 2 Pro
The DJI Mavic 2 Pro is a high-end consumer drone with many advanced features. It is equipped with a Hasselblad camera that captures 4K video and 20-megapixel still photos. The camera has a 1-inch CMOS sensor and an adjustable aperture, which allows for improved low-light performance and better control over the depth of field. The Mavic 2 Pro comes with an upgraded obstacle avoidance system that can sense and avoid obstacles from all sides. It has a range of up to 10km and can fly for up to 31 minutes on a single charge. The Mavic 2 Pro is compatible with the DJI GO 4 App, which allows users to access additional features such as autonomous flight modes such as waypoint and active track. You can also edit and share your images and videos. Overall, the DJI Mavic 2 Pro is a powerful and feature-rich drone suitable for various photography applications.
Key Features
- 1-inch CMOS sensor with adjustable aperture & 77° FOV
- 20MP images
- Records videos in 4k at 30fps, 2.7k at 60fps & 1080p at 120fps
- 100Mbps
- Multiple photography modes
- 10-bit Dlog-M colour profile for HDR videos
- Obstacle avoidance technology
- 30 minutes of flight time
- Intelligent flight modes
- 10km transmission range
7. DJI Mini 3 Pro
The DJI Mini 3 Pro is hands down the best mini drone for photography and the best drone that weighs less than 250 grams. This tiny drone has impressive camera features, allowing you to capture stunning 4K videos and 48MP images with its 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor. You can also take advantage of up to 34 minutes of flight time and a 12km transmission range, allowing you more time and range to be incredibly creative in capturing your visuals. The drone has advanced flight modes such as Active Track 4.0, Point Of Interest 3.0 and a 3-way obstacle detection system. The Mini 3 Pro is the perfect drone for photographers, especially for those who travel a lot, as it is small and lightweight, making it easier to store and carry around.
Key Features
- 1/1.3- inch CMOS sensor with fixed aperture & 82.1° FOV
- 48MP images
- Multiple photography modes, including Panorama, interval & AEB
- Records videos in 4k at 60fps, 2.7k at 60fps
- 150Mbps
- D-Cinelike colour profile for HDR videos
- 3-way obstacle avoidance technology
- Intelligent flight modes
- 30 minutes of flight time
- 12km transmission range
8. DJI Autel Nano Plus
The Autel Evo Nano Plus drone is widely regarded as one of the best mini drones for photography. Its compact foldable design makes it easy to carry around and has some fantastic advanced technological features. The Autel Evo Nano Plus imaging capabilities feature a 1/1.28-inch Sony sensor with a fixed f/1.9 aperture and can capture 50MP images and record 4k video footage at 30fps and 2.7k at 30fps. The drone has multiple autonomous flight modes such as Follow Me, Orbit, Point of Interest, Waypoint Mission Planning and Active Track. The Autel Evo Nano Plus also provides an excellent battery life of up to 28 minutes, and the drone comes with a maximum transmission range of 12km. All these features make the Autel Evo Nano Plus drone an excellent choice for any serious photographer looking to capture professional-level photos and videos.
Key Features
- 1/1.28-inch CMOS sensor with fixed aperture & 85° FOV
- 50MP still images
- HDR images & videos
- Records 4k videos at 30fps, 2.7k at 60fps
- 3-way Obstacle avoidance technology
- 28 minutes of flight time
- Intelligent flight modes
- 10km transmission range
Drones are fantastic products without a doubt something most people would like to purchase one for their own entertainment, all the drones you shared look so cool and high quality.
How does one choose between so many tempting products , some of us can not afford more than one so which one should I purchase and get the most for my money?
Hi jeff
Yeah they are all really good drones, personally my favourite is the DJI Mavic pro,its compact, powerful and easy to fly with advanced technological features.
These drones are all excellent and they excel in aerial photography, most of them have 4K camera and all of them have FPV (first person view) capability.
As for which drone to buy, it really depends on your budget, I would prefer the Mavic Pro, however, you can get the Phantom 3 pro for around $800. That would be the cheapest 4K drone, the Bebop 2.0 is the cheapest overall drone but its the only one without a 4 K camera and a 3 axis-gimbal.
Hi,
I personally love drones, they are awesome indeed. since its a new technology on the marketing.
I especially love their 4K camera which makes their photography very sharp and I also love how thorough you were with your review in these different types of drone.
But I have a question: Please if want to purchase a drone for personal use for wedding photograph, which of the drones you reviewed will you advice me to buy?
Hi Stephen
Thanks for stopping by. I love drones as well, they fun and their technology is evolving really fast which excites me even more.
As for which drone will be best suited for wedding photography, it depends on what your budget is, any of the drones on this list would do apart from the Bebop 2.0.
I would go for the Inspire 1 or 2 or the Phantom 4 pro.
But I am a huge advocate for DJI drones so I am kind of biased.
Like I said any of the drones on this list would do apart from the Bebop 2.0
Hey there! I found your article really interesting and fun to read. I like drones and I’ve been looking for a expensive drone to use for aerial photography. I like taking pictures and having a drone that can do that will change the things that I’ll do. Also it is a great hobby taking aerial footage from place to place with great scenery. I’ll try to choose and buy one drone that is listed. Thank you for sharing this information.
I have had the need for my own filming drone for some time now and really want the dji Inspire but is a bit out of my price range. I didn’t know that they made the gen 2 which excites me but remember the price. It is a fair price for something so inspiring. The dji Mavic Pro looks like it will do for my needs at a price that I can likely do and want to know more about them. How would you say these do compared to the inspire drones?
HI Craig
The Mavic Pro is my favorite drone, so if that is in your price range I would definitely go for the Mavic pro.
The Inspire 1 and 2 are probably the most powerful consumer drones on the market, they are geared towards professional photographers/videographers. The are many aspects that stand them out but one that is especially useful for professional photographers is that their cameras can be upgraded.
If it was me I would go for the Mavic Pro.
Hi!
Interesting read for sure! I’ll definitely be using this as a reference page when I decide to pick up my drone!
As someone who uses a GoPro and is on the go alot, would it be worth it to get their Karma drone, or the DJI Mavic Pro? Would this be totally dependent on the quality of the GoPro you have or is there a considerable difference in their handling?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Mitchell
I am a bit biased, I love the DJI drones and the Mavic is my favourite, so yes I will advice you to go for the Mavic Pro. The Karma and Mavic pro are in a lot of ways similar, but GoPro had a lot of problems when they released the Karma and had to call it back. Although its back on the market, its had trouble keeping up with the Mavic pro. Also you can get the Mavic Pro with the 4k camera for just over $1000 (or pounds if you are in the UK). If you buy the Karma along with the HERO5,it’ll cost near $1100. GoPro make great action cameras and DJI make superior drones. Just My opinion.
Very interesting site and reviews about drone here. Was looking up for drones in the market and this one caught my eyes for a bit for the fact that it outlines the drones option nicely plus recommendation and simple to sums via its key features. The inclusion of the rating does helps too. It helps me to filter off and concentrate with those of high rating considering I am aiming for a good one and long term use.
I didn’t realise there were soo many types of drones out there, nor did I know they had cameras built in. My son has a drone but no camera on it and he finds it hard to control. Can you recommend a simple drone that is used by children? As my son is getting frustrated with the one he has.Thanks
Matthew
Hi Mathhew
Yeah Drones are growing at an incredible rate, a new company or drone line seem to pop out every month. here are many drones for beginners, I have reviewed several of them on this site. The more the expensive a drone is, the more easier they become to fly because of all the advanced technology that come with them nowadays. However, they are expensive, if you want a suitable drone for your child that is easy to conrol I suggest the Blade Nano QX or the Syma X5C
Wow!
That is all I can say.
So this is really cool! I have an 8-year-old son that might be interested in this kind of stuff. What are drones for Beginners?
Are most of these does geared towards older kids to adults, or are there other drones made specifically for 8-9-year-old kids rage? I wouldn’t mind introducing a drone to my son.
Hi there,
I have never owned a drone before, but I do know plenty of people that own one. After reading your article I am now thinking about looking into getting a drone in the near future. I really like the drones with cameras and that would probably be the one I would look into. I love nature and these seem perfect to capture the beauty. Thank you again.
Just a couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine bought a drone just to have as a toy. So, ever since then I have been thinking about buying one for myself because they seem fun to have. I have just come across your website and I didn’t know affordable drones with cameras actually are.
I thought they would be very expensive. I’m not looking to spend alot of money and just want something to have fun with. I am thinking about going with the 3DR Solo, what do you think about that? Thanks for this review article, It’s definitely helped me learn more about drones and how each can be different.
Hi Hunter
The 3DR Solo is a great drone, however I would advice against purchasing it because of a couple of reasons.
1. It does not come with a camera and is only compatible with GoPro cameras.
2. 3DR have stopped selling them and provide limited support. The company is now actually focusing on the industrial side of drone application, specifically drone apps.
Although I have not listed here, the DJI Phantom 3 standard is a great drone at a very reasonable price. You can probably purchase one from Amazon for under $500 with a 2.7k HD camera.
Recently I’ve been fascinated by drones. The footage you can get is simply remarkable. Shame you didn’t write the price of each drone on your article. I would love to buy a drone but I’m no professional so I would for sure buy the cheapest. I didn’t realise there are so many different types of drones available!
I know when I buy a drone I will definitely come back to read more on the starter drones.
When searching for drones for people that have never flown them before, what would you recommend?
Is there also drones with landing assist stuff like that, so if a child flies them they wont crash them into the ground?
Hi Matthew
I would recommend you buy one of the cheap drones, just to familiarise yourself with these flying robots. You can actually get pretty good drones for under $100.
Check out my post on the best drones for kids in 2017
Thanks for stopping by.
Hi!
I love your site! These drones are fantastic.
I am currently saving up to buy me a new one since my DJI Phantom 4 crashed into a mountain side on the Faroe Islands and fell into the sea.
I will definitely be looking to your site for inspiration, if I don’t decide to go with DJI4 again.
Thank you
Øssur
Very interesting post. Drones are something that I’m seeing more and more of on the web and it is pushing me towards getting one.
The only main off-putting factor is, obviously, the price. It seems steep but I suppose when you take into account the amazing photos you can take, it’ll be worth it in the long run.
Hi Stephen
The drones on this list are indeed expensive but you can still purchase decent drones for under $100. They will not be as advanced but if all your looking for is a bit of fun,the less expensive ones are the way to go for first time buyers.
All the best
Wow! Thanks so much for sharing this. I have looked into the market for a good drone but I have had trouble making the right decision on which product to purchase. Drones are interesting products. I intend to purchase a drone for my wedding anniversary coming up towards the end on November, I want to capture every moment on that day. All thanks to this article, I can make my selection from here. I am considering purchasing the Dji Mavic Pro. Is Amazon the cheapest place I can buy from?
Hi John
I really don’t know if Amazon has the cheapest prices,however you can shop around and see. You can check these sites
Gearbest
DJI
tomtop
Buzzflyer
eBay
All the best
This is an article I will need to bookmark because it is relevant to what I’d like to do in the near future. A few years ago a started a film project and i stopped along the way due to lack of proper equipment. I’ve been planning myself behind the scenes to jump start this project and one of the main equipment I’ve been looking for is a drone for an aerial view.
One thing I’d like to know here is if the drones normally have specific compatible cameras? What is your recommendation for film drone?
Any of these drones will be good for aerial photography, but my favourite drone is the Mavic Pro, its not as powerful as some of the others but t will still give high quality aerial photography/videography.
The 3DR solo drone is compatible with a select few GoPro cameras,the Inspire 1 has a few cameras that you can choose from as does the Inspire 2.
The first time I came across your site I knew I would be back! I ordered the Phantom 4 Pro a few months back and I love it. I am kinda new on the drone scene, so it took me a bit to get the hang of things. However now I feel like a pro!
The pictures are amazing and this drone is great!
Thanks for the great recommendation!